Joe Girard, known as "the world's greatest car salesman," recently died at age 90 after suffering from a fall that he did not fully recover from, The Detroit Free Press revealed.
Girard had a rags-to-riches story and in a country with a plethora of car salesman he was No. 1, setting a Guinness World Record for selling the most new cars in one year. Girard sold 1,425 car in 1973 to win the title and went on to become a paid inspirational speaker and author.
Girard suffered a traumatic brain injury Feb. 26 after falling backwards while walking up the steps of his basement in Grosse Pointe Shores. He was rushed into hospital where he died two days later.
Over the years, the retired car salesman has inspired millions with his story. He dropped out of high school, served in the U.S. army then went on to work at a Chevrolet dealership where he managed to sell 13,001 cars between 1963 and 1978 and earned the title of "world's greatest car salesman."
Girard always had a strong work ethic and started work at a young age. At 9, he was earning pocket money as a shoeshine boy and by 11 he was delivering papers for the Detroit Free Press, according to his official biography. When he dropped out of school, Girard enlisted in the U.S. army but was honorably discharged after falling off a truck and injuring his back. After a series of odd jobs, he eventually landed a position selling cars at Chevrolet.
"I started with just a phone and a desk and nothing else," Girard commented on his success, according to his website. His advice remains simple but effective for others hoping to go on to bigger things. "Be patient and stay the course."
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